Rangeland Ecology & Management

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Why Are Sub-tropical Grasslands So Species Rich?
Author
McIntyre, S.
Martin, T.G.
Mclvor, J.G.
Publisher
The Australian Rangeland Society
Publication Year
2000
Body

A survey of grassy eucalypt woodlands in sub -tropical Queensland recorded herbaceous species richness at 30m2 scale. At this scale, the native grassland occurring in pastures, roadsides and stockroutes appears to be very species-rich by global standards. Results were compared with a published survey of temperate grasslands. When habitats with similar management histories and disturbance regimes were compared, we found native species richness in the sub-tropics to be approximately 50% higher than the temperate survey results. Possible explanations for this result include differences in fertiliser use, exotic legume populations, livestock types and fire regimes.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Conference Paper
Additional Information

August 21-24, 2000

Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia

ISSN 1323-6660
Conference Name
Australian Rangeland Society Centenary Symposium
Keywords
herbaceous plants
fertilizer application
Livestock breeds
Fire strategy
Queensland